A Lorain man seeking money for dental repairs attempted to extort money from his former girlfriend of 20 years by threatening to distribute an alleged sex tape recorded by the couple.

Shannon Page, 34, of Lorain, was charged with extortion, a third-degree felony, for threatening to distribute 50 copies of the promiscuous DVD to Amherst establishments, including her place of employment, Lorain Detective Sgt. Mark McCoy said.

Page’s 35-year-old ex-girlfriend told police, last year, Page suffered an injury that permanently damaged his teeth and that he could not afford the dental work.

Recently, Page contacted the woman and asked for half of her income tax return so that he could have the work done, McCoy said.

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On Aug. 12, Page sent the woman a text message asking her if she was “familiar with extortion,” McCoy said.

Puzzled, the woman replied to Page that she “can barely spell it,” he added.

A series of text messages to the woman ensued, including one that stated “if you’re not gonna (sic) play fair me an (sic) my friends made about 50 copies of this DVD.”

The woman told police Page was referring to a video the couple made of themselves consensually having sex a few years ago, McCoy said.

Officers met with Page at his home on the 2500 block of East 42nd Street where he admitted the estranged couple had been “talking” via text messaging.

Page was arrested and transported to Lorain City Jail. En route, the alleged extortionist apologized to the arresting officer and stated the incident was merely a “misunderstanding,” McCoy said.

Page told officers all he was trying to do was say, “Hey, I’ll give you the video, just give me my money,” McCoy added.

Page is being held without bond. He was scheduled to appear in Lorain Municipal Court on Aug. 13.